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Tag: boko haram

  • Boko Haram sympathizers taking advantage of humanitarian crises says Coalition

    A Coalition of CSOs on Human Rights and Conflict Resolution in Nigeria, a governmental global human rights activists’ organization, has reacted to the recent report released by the Amnesty International, accusing the Nigerian security forces of raping and starving Internally Displaced Persons, IPDs, to death in northern part of the country.

    AI in a new report released on Thursday entitled “They betrayed us”, detailed how how the Nigerian military and Civilian Joint Task Force (Civilian JTF) have allegedly separated women from their husbands and confined them in remote ‘satellite camps’ where they have been raped, sometimes in exchange for food.

    Reacting to the report it termed ‘Tainted Spring’ the coalition said it is evident that some political Boko Haram is  taking advantage of the ongoing unrest in the north eastern region.

    Maxwell Gowon, Executive Director of the group speaking at a press conference in Abuja said the report was targeted at heating up the polity and as well rubbish the Nigerian security forces, especially the military that is carrying a good job.

    The coalition said the reports usually released by Amnesty International were sponsored by some political Boko Haram that is apparently geared towards achieving a pre-determined  result.

    He said, “This particular one in question has been begging for legitimacy after it was exposed that Amnesty International and the UNICEF were paying journalists and NGOs to compile fictitious reports against the Nigerian military and other stakeholders fighting terrorism in Nigeria. What these organizations stand to achieve is still what the Coalition is yet to come to terms with.

    “The military’s compliance with the rules of engagement is significantly high, enough to conform with the globally accepted standards in conflict situations. Instances of infractions had more to do with individual deviation than an organizational policy of the military services. There is no doubt that a few instances have been investigated by the Nigerian military through its human rights desk that coordinates same across the country. The setting up of such the human rights desk in every formation and unit by the Nigerian Army is therefore to this Coalition a commendable exercise and must be applauded by experts in this field.

    “We want to unequivocally State from our findings and investigations that Amnesty International’s monitoring of human rights situation particularly in the north-east  is not fact based and rely heavily on testimonies that appear not too far removed from fiction. Its reports do not lend themselves to follow-ups because it is impossible to contact its so-called witnesses for verification. Even when there is no clear evidence that access to them would place them in harm’s way, the NGO keeps all the subjects of its reports unanimous.

    “Amnesty International constantly validates suspicion that it is working as the activist wing of Boko Haram and other groups that threaten security in Nigeria. Its reports tend to lessen the atrocities committed by Boko Haram and other criminal groups or in some cases blame government, military or security for the crimes committed by its terrorists.

    “The legitimate operation of the military is constantly hampered by Amnesty International’s misleading reports. This has grave consequences for the overall security architecture of Nigeria especially now that some key players in the political terrain have started providing local funding to supplement the foreign clients of Amnesty International with a view to impacting the 2019 general Elections.

    “The activities of Amnesty International, mostly its reports, which do not meet the standard of thoroughness required, are cover to offer tactical support to Boko Haram. This organization tends to adopt different approaches to different countries, while it works towards destruction of countries within the crosshair of its destabilization agenda, its approach to certain nation is conciliatory even when they engage in wanton killings and other systematic forms of abuses,” Gowon said.

    In its recommendations, the group opined that the Federal Government of Nigeria should work with the military to fashion a long-term containment measure for attenuating the damages that Amnesty International’s activities in Nigeria are causing.

    He added, “The intelligence community should be mandated to expose the true nature of Amnesty International’s mission in Nigeria. Any revelations from this must be made known to Nigerians because they deserve to know the truth about an organization that has evolved into the greatest threats to their life.

    “Anti-terror laws should be allowed to fully take their courses especially as they pertain to supporting terrorism.

    “There is a need for IDPs camps in the north east to be closed and citizens relocated back to their various communities since political Boko Haram is taking advantage of the humanitarian crisis to introduce a mutant strain of Boko Haram in the camps.

    “Amnesty International has lost the moral right to continue monitoring human rights issues and conflict in Nigeria should be so informed.”

  • Herdsmen/Farmers Clashes: Experts urge farmers to embrace ranching

    Some security experts on Friday urged farmers to embrace ranching as a lasting solution to the perennial clashes with cattle herdsmen in various communities in the country.

    The security experts told our reporter in Lagos that cattle ranching would go a long way in curbing herdsmen clashes and cattle rustling in the country.

    Mr Aghanya Ibezimako, a retired Commissioner of Police, said that the killings persisted due to lack of modern crime-fighting equipment by the police.

    Ibezimako, former CP in Benue, Kogi and Ekiti, called on all security agencies to synergies and share intelligence to finally tackle the menace.

    “Initially the country was battling with Boko Haram insurgency and now it has graduated to herdsmen killings.

    Read Also: ‘Herdsmen’s, farmers’ clashes may worsen without ranches’ 

    “Government needed to provide necessary equipment to the police to fight this crime because they are closer to the public than other security agencies,” Ibezimako said.

    The former CP commended Federal Government for deploying 150 special force of the Nigerian Air Force in Benue and other states where the clashes were prevalent, saying that it would yield positive result.

    Mr Micheal Sam-Wobo, a security expert, urged government to deploy the use of information technology in fighting crime, adding that it would also generate employment among the youths.

    According to him, technology can be used in detecting suicide bombers carrying explosives inside their dresses.

    Mr Tony Ozorh, another security expert, called on National Assembly to enact a law establishing ranching as private businesses as was being done in advanced countries.

    Ozorh said that countries like Bulgaria, Algeria and Brazil, among others, made ranching serious business enterprises through which the countries generate income from it.

    According to him, herdsmen of the premordial time who used to move around with sticks now carry AK 47 rifles.

    “Cattle herdsmen should have grazing areas where they can feed their animals.

    “We urged the National Assembly to pass a law that will establish ranching like in other countries of the world,” he said.

    NAN

  • Amnesty International, greatest threat to humanity – Coalition

    An anti terrorism group, the Coalition Against Terrorism and Extremism (CATE) has accused international agency.
    Amnesty International of being a threat to humanity, as well as Nigeria’s sovereignty.
    Addressing journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, the national co-ordinator, Gabriel Onoja, said it is obvious that Amnesty International has continued to lead the psychological war on terror against the people of Nigeria, whilst Boko Haram and other dissident elements execute the guerrilla warfare against our people.
    According to Onoja, the latest of such unfortunate war against the Nigerian people and humanity is plans by the AI to embarrass the Nigerian military with cooked up reports about cases of rape allegedly carried out by men of the armed forces at the camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
    He accused Amnesty International, of succeeded in engaging in acts and comments that have seen it deteriorating from a group championing the cause of humanity to one that is defending criminals, criminalities, insurgency and terrorism.
    Onoja wondered how the military which it said has sacrificed so much to ensure normalcy returns to Nigeria’s northeast will now be subject to such reports being released by AI
    He said, “This allegation against the Nigerian military is unfortunate because the military as an institution is one that prides itself in the strict discipline and character moulding of its men from the day they enlist to when they leave.
    We have absolute confidence in the conduct of our military particularly those deployed on special operations and find it strange to come to terms with the current realities that Amnesty International has become another Army Against our troops.
    “it is public knowledge that no institution is responsive to reports of bad behavior, misconduct and other forms of indiscipline like the military.
    That is why within any military setting, you will find the full compliment for ensuring compliance with rules and regulations and for punishing acts of wrong doing like the appointment of provosts, RSMs , the building of guard rooms and the setting aside of tasking drills for punishment to erring men and officers.”
    He expressed concern that the AI allegations against the country’s military is coming at a time when the terrorists have been reduced to the barest minimum.
    According to him, Amnesty International may have done some good works in the past and elsewhere in the world, but it’s current intervention in Nigeria since the war against insurgency intensified leaves much to be desired.
    “who does Amnesty International protect? Who pays Amnesty International to execute these heinous briefs against our military?” he queried.
    “If they’re not complaining about the number of suspects arrested, they are busy alleging acts that never existed. We are all aware that the fight against insurgency is not a tea party,” he added.
    He said many innocent Nigerians including, women and children have been killed by these terrorists that even some of their initial supporters have come to realize their error and have come out, not only to condem their actions but distanced themselves from the activities of the groups.

  • 14.8 million affected by Boko Haram, Nigeria tells UN

    NIGERIA’S Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Prof. Tijjani Bande has told the Security Council that 14.8 million people were affected by the Boko Haram crisis.

    He said 1.7 million people were internally displaced, with most of them affected being children and women.

    Bande spoke during an “Open Debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflicts”.

    He assured the international community that a plan put in place by President Muhammadu would bring relief to the Northeast, presently ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.

    The Presidential Committee for North East Initiative developed “The Buhari Plan” – a framework of action to ensure the rehabilitation of the victims of insurgency and the reconstruction of their communities.

    Bande said a robust Social Protection Initiative, and a second National Action Plan to fully implement the provisions of resolution 1325 (2000) had been instituted to protect civilians, particularly women and children from the Boko Haram.

    “To that end, the initiatives will also complement the implementation of ‘The Buhari Plan’, which provides a blueprint for the comprehensive humanitarian relief and socioeconomic stabilisation of the North-East, as well as the return and resettlement of displaced persons.

    “We are collaborating with our neighbours, Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Benin, within the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force, to defeat the Boko Haram insurgency, which is targeting civilians, particularly women and children,” Bande said.

    The Buhari Plan’ aims to achieve a safe and prosperous Northeast that would be a global model for post-conflict socio-economic recovery and development.

    The envoy noted that Nigeria was among the first group of states to endorse the Safe Schools Declaration in Oslo, thereby making a pledge to protect schools during armed conflicts and using and promoting the Guidelines for Protecting Schools and Universities from Military Use during armed conflict.

    Bande said the declaration complemented and strengthened Nigeria’s national Safe Schools Initiative established in 2014, as part of the response by the Federal Government to promote safe zones for learning.

    He said these initiatives reflected government’s commitment to ensuring the security of women and children during armed conflicts and enhancing their active and direct participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

    The ambassador said: “It is heartening to note that over a thousand kidnapped women and children have been rescued, and all territories once controlled by the group have been recovered.”

  • US plotting to use Amnesty International to unsettle Nigeria – Group

    A group, the Progressives Yoruba Youth Congress, PYYC, has cried out to the international community over a plot by the United States of America’s backed self-styled human rights watchdog, Amnesty International to use fictitious reports to create tension in the country.

    It said the report was targeted at discrediting the Nigerian military on its fight against insurgency.

    The youth group therefore called on AI and its agents to come out clean on their plots to heat up polity in the country through its conjured report.

    Comrade Akintola Festus, national leader of the group, while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, drew the attention of the United Nations (UN), the European Union and other international bodies to what it described as plots by AI’s local franchise to promote terrorism in Nigeria.

    Festus lamented AI’s periodic reports, which accused the Nigerian military and sister security agencies of human rights violation in their efforts to bring a lasting peace to this entity called Nigeria.

    The youth leader decried that the international agency is doing everything possible to see a stage-managed implosion in Nigeria, a country gradually and steadily recuperating from bile terrorism.

    He, therefore called on the Nigerian government to without delay commence the process of the expulsion of Amnesty International from the country.

    His speech reads below.

    “We believe we are aware of the difficulties experienced in the past administration in checkmating terrorism, especially Boko Haram, IPOB and the Islamic Movement in Nigeria has reached alarming proportion for all Nigerians to be concerned.

    The manifest cruelty and appetite for bloodletting in atrocious acts and heinous crimes against Nigerians by these sects is legendary. And we know the sects are ennobled by the sponsorship, funding, and backing of foreign forces bent on foisting evil on our land to destabilize our country.

    “We are persuaded to draw the attention of World bodies like the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and the Federal Government in Nigeria about some twists and ugly developments concerning winning streaks of Nigerian military against Boko Haram terrorists.

    “We strongly suspected sustained and covert actions and activities of terrorists agents, particularly, some international organizations’ domiciled in Nigeria who are discreetly working day and night to promote the scourge of terrorism on Nigeria.

    “The Republic of Iran has never concealed this devilish plot on Nigerian and the leaders of these sects, particularly, Boko Haram factional leader, Abubakar Shekau have also affirmed this fact. And the dragnet of sponsors, paid agents and sympathizers’ with terrorists in Nigeria is expansive and obscure. These covert agents operate under different official or unofficial banners.

    “To this end, we have realized lately and suspect a strong bond between the Iranian Republic, Boko Haram terrorists and the Amnesty International (AI) in festering the menace of terrorism in Nigeria. AI is an international organization whose mandate is to conscientiously monitor human rights violations in the countries they operate.

    “We also note that AI has strong affinity with the United States of America (USA). AI is America’s pet child and America has this inglorious history of dubious interventions in the internal affairs of developing countries like Nigeria.

    “AI’s periodic reports are usually based on unsubstantiated allegations and falsehood, alluding to rights violations perpetrated by the Nigerian military and sister security agencies. The reports are primed to limitlessly and baselessly indict the military; while emboldening the terrorists in their suspected sponsored assignment to destroy and delete Nigeria from the map of the world.

    “We are mincing no words to assert that no external force can govern us; we must govern ourselves and the rude disrespect by AI to testify before lawfully constituted Probe Panels is an undisguised affront on the powers and sovereignty of Nigeria.

    “AI is doing everything possible to see a stage-managed implosion in Nigeria, a country gradually and steadily recuperating from bile terrorism.

    “Therefore, we plead with our international partners especially the UN to undertake a critical investigation into the sinister operations of Amnesty International in Nigeria and the complicity of the US Government. We have every cause to suspect AI and America’s covert support of the organization in the evil conspiracy against Nigeria to promote terrorism, an idea hatched by foreign forces against the unity and peace of Nigeria.

    “We consequently, call on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to immediately commence the process of the expulsion of Amnesty International from Nigeria. Nigerians cannot compromise or allow anybody or organization, not even AI and its local franchise to reverse the gains the country has recorded on the terrorism war. We are not prepared to return to the dark days of reckless bombings, agonies and deaths arising from terrorism.”

  • Air Force launches attacks against Boko Haram, kills insurgents

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said it has used its newly acquired Mi-35 helicopter gunships to fire rockets and cannon at Boko Haram Terrorists at a camp South East Bonne, Borno State, killing scores of insurgents in the process.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, claimed in a statement that the operation was carried out after an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform had established the presence of the terrorists in the area.

    Adesanya said: ” The newly acquired Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mi-35M helicopter gunships have successfully unleashed their firepower on Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) at a camp, 9.7km South East of Bonne in the on-going OPERATION THUNDER STRIKE.

    “An earlier Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance report had indicated the significant presence of terrorists in the camp, following which Mi-35M helicopter gunships were deployed to attack them on 15 May 2018.

    “On approaching the target, the Mi-35M helicopter gunships successfully launched rocket and cannon attacks on the camp, in rapid succession.

    “The footage of the attack, as captured by the helicopter’s airborne camera system, indicated the destruction of the targets as the structures within the BHT camp were engulfed in fire while all the terrorists within the camp were also neutralised.”

    NAF took delivery of the second batch of 2 brand new Mi-35M helicopters on 30 April, following which the helicopters were unveiled during the 54th anniversary celebrations in Kaduna.

     

  • Troops kill two female bombers in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said two female suicide bombers were killed on Friday while trying to infiltrate troops in Kawuri, Konduga local government area of Borno State.

    The Deputy Director of Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

    Nwachukwu said the suicide bombers trailed the troops to the military camp at 9:45 p.m., but were promptly detected by vigilant troops who engaged them in a gun duel.

    According to him, one of the suicide vests detonated immediately and killed the two suicide bombers.

    He said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had safely detonated the other suicide vest.

    NAN

  • NAF attacks Boko Haram camp in Bonne

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said its newly acquired Mi-35M helicopter gunships have successfully attacked Boko Haram militants at a camp, 9.7km South East of Bonne in its ongoing “Operation Thunder Strike.”

    The NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM. Olatokunbo Adesanya, who confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the air operation was carried out on Thursday.

    ”An earlier Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance report had indicated the significant presence of terrorists in the camp, following which Mi-35M helicopter gunships were deployed to attack them.

    ”On approaching the target, the Mi-35M helicopter gunships successfully launched rocket and cannon attacks on the camp, in rapid succession.

    ”The footage of the attack, as captured by the helicopter’s airborne camera system, indicated the destruction of the targets as the structures within the BHT camp were engulfed in fire,” he said.

    According to Adesanya, all the terrorists within the camp were also neutralised during the air interdiction.

    NAN

  • Air Force bombs Boko Haram as CDS calls for concerted efforts

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Friday that it has again neutralized scores of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and destroyed their structures in series of air strikes carried out in Bama and Gobara, Borno state.
    Chief of Defence Staff, (CDS) General Abayomi Olonisakin who disclosed this  called for concerted efforts to address the security challenges facing the country.
    General Olonisakin made the call at the closing ceremony of a One-Week Training Progamme on Campaign Planning Course facilitated by the British Military Advisory Team at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
    The CDS was represented at the event by the Director of Campaign Planning, Defence Headquarters,  (DHQ) Maj.Gen. Augustine Agundu.
    The NAF said in a statement signed by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Olatokunbo Adesanya that the air interdictions were carried out after the NAF Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms had established the presence of the insurgents in the areas.
    AVM Adesanya said: ” On 15 May 2018, the second day of the ongoing Operation THUNDER STRIKE, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE successfully conducted air interdiction on a Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) infested location, 13 Nautical Miles North East of Bama.
    “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft had previously observed significant BHT presence in the location. Accordingly, the ATF detailed a combination of fighter aircraft and helicopter gunships to attack the insurgents’ position.
    “Overhead the location, the attack platforms took turns to unleash their ordinance on the targets while the NAF ISR aircraft conducted Battle Damage Assessment (BDA).
    “At the end of the attacks, the BDA revealed the target structures to have been destroyed and engulfed in in fire while the occupying terrorists were neutralised.
      “Later in the day, in continuation of the Operation, the ATF successfully conducted another attack on a location in Gobara, 15km Northwest of Gwoza. Previous ISR report had indicated that the location served as a hideout for the insurgents. Consequently, NAF fighter aircraft were detailed to carry out air interdiction on the location.
    “The fighter jets acquired and took turns to strafe the location, destroying the building and killing most of the BHTs in the process. After the attacks, the BDA revealed that some other adjoining BHT structures and hideouts were equally destroyed.”
    Meanwhile Gen. Olonisakin maintained that while the Campaign Planning Course was organised by the DHQ to address key gaps in planning operations, military and security agencies should collaborate to tackle the current security challenges threatening the peace and progress of the country.
    The CDS lauded the British Military Advisory Team for facilitating the programme, assuring that the lessons learnt during the period would go a long to ensure integration of concepts in the planning of campaigns for effective military operations.

  • We’re on final offensive against Boko Haram, says Buratai

    CHIEF of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai said yesterday that the Army will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property and protect the territorial integrity of the country.

    Buratai spoke with State House correspondents after paying a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He said the recent deployment of a battalion of soldiers to Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, was in line with the Army’s guidelines.

    He said: “We will continue to operate along with other security agencies that have been charged with the responsibility of securing our country. The deployment of a battalion to Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State is in line with the Nigerian Army’s order of battle that was approved in 2016 and we are going to implement all the directives of our Commander-in-Chief to achieve strategic objectives of the Nigerian government.

    “So, that is essentially why we had to deploy a battalion there and the soldiers will work alongside other security agencies.”

    On the fight against Boko Haram insurgents, the Chief of Army Staff said: “That is progressing very well  and Nigerians should be rest assured that our ‘Operation Last Halt’ will further consolidate on the achievements so far made and we hope the Internally Displaced Persons in that area will go back to their communities and pick up their lives again.”